GITEX Global, the Middle East’s largest technology show, is moving to a new home. After decades at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the 2026 edition runs from 7 to 11 December at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City. Its startup and investor event, Expand North Star, reunites with the main show and runs from 8 to 10 December.
For founders from South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa, Expand North Star is one of the most efficient ways to meet Gulf investors, corporates and government programs in one place. Here’s what’s changed and how to prepare.
Why Expand North Star matters
Expand North Star describes itself as the world’s largest startup and investor connector. The 2025 edition drew about 2,000 international startups, 1,000 investors and 70,000 attendees from 100 countries, with roughly 13,000 pre-scheduled meetings and 350 speakers, according to Middle East Events.
The Gulf is also where much of the region’s growth capital now sits. MENA startups raised $1.65 billion in Q3 2026 alone, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, according to Wamda. For founders planning Gulf expansion, this is where those conversations start.
What’s new in 2026
- A new venue. Expo City is larger and further from central Dubai than the old World Trade Centre site. Plan transport and accommodation early.
- Supernova 0X, restructured. The global pitch competition is now organised by venture stage, so startups compete against peers at a similar level. Finalists get exposure to more than 1,300 global investors.
- Backers Pitch. A new format where existing investors pitch selected portfolio companies to other investors. About 20 startups are expected.
- An expanded Founders Academy. Three days of learning labs covering the journey from idea to exit.
- New tracks. DigiHealth-Biotech (AI diagnostics, genomics and therapeutics) and NS Play (AR/VR, smart-health devices and lifestyle tech), alongside AI, deeptech, fintech, cybersecurity, climate tech and emerging markets.
Four weeks out: your preparation plan
Week 1: Decide your goal
Pick one primary goal: raising a round, finding Gulf customers, or exploring a market entry. Your goal decides who you meet and which programs you apply for. Founders who try to do everything usually do nothing well.
Week 2: Build three target lists
- Investors who fund your stage and sector, with a real presence in the Gulf.
- Customers or partners, especially corporates and government entities that run pilots. A pilot with a regional bank or telecom can be worth more than ten investor meetings.
- Ecosystem programs, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi accelerators and free zones, if you’re considering a regional base.
Week 3: Tighten your story
- A 30-second explanation of what you do and why now.
- Traction and unit economics you can state without slides: revenue, growth, customer acquisition cost, margins and burn.
- A one-page summary and a short deck ready to send the same day.
Week 4: Book meetings
Use the event’s meeting platform and direct outreach. Request meetings for the first two days, and keep the last day for follow-ups and second conversations.
How to approach Supernova 0X
Pitch competitions reward clarity more than complexity. Judges see hundreds of pitches, so the winners usually:
- State the problem in one sentence with a number.
- Show evidence that customers care, such as revenue, pilots or retention.
- Explain why the team will win in this specific market.
- End with a clear ask.
Because Supernova now groups startups by stage, you don’t need to look like a Series B company if you’re pre-seed. Pitch honestly for where you are.
Working the floor at GITEX
GITEX itself fills several halls with large tech companies, governments and country pavilions. Many countries bring national startup delegations, and pavilion stands are a good place to meet founders from your home market who have already expanded to the Gulf. Ask them what worked.
After the event
Investors in the region often take longer to move than in Singapore or Silicon Valley, and relationships matter. Follow up within 48 hours, then keep a light rhythm of monthly updates. Many Gulf deals close months after the first meeting.
Key takeaways
- GITEX Global 2026: 7–11 December. Expand North Star: 8–10 December. Both are at Expo City Dubai for the first time.
- The 2025 edition had about 2,000 startups and 1,000 investors.
- Supernova 0X is now organised by venture stage, and there’s a new Backers Pitch format.
- Prepare target lists, a tight 30-second story and meetings before you arrive.
Read more event guides for founders in the Events section of the Turtle Venture blog.
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